Ok, so I've read all about extracts, partial boils, hop utilization, etc... but I'm just having trouble finding a good way to do these recipes calling for 6 plus pounds of DME.

Basically, I do a 3 gallon or so boil, first steeping specialty grains, then adding bittering hops and about half of the extract called for in the recipe. Boil for however long, more hops, and in the last 15 minutes I add the remaining extract and allow that to pasturize.

I do the half and half thing with the extract to simulate a full volume boil, gravity wise, so that I can get the most out of my hops... boil gravity affects isomerization... so they say. So anyways, where I'm going with this is that I can't figure out a good way to add DME to my boils. I know they say that it dissolves better in cold water... but how do I do that with my current techniques? Last batch I made was a nightmare because all the DME formed a massive solid clump on the surface of the kettle and took me about 45 minutes of constant poking and stirring to dissolve... that, and the stuff started to hydrate while still in the bag due to the steam rising from the kettle.

How about holding out 1/2 gallon of cold water in a carboy. Add the DME put foil over the top and shake the crap out of it. It will all disolve in about 3 min or less. Then just pour it in the boil.
Cheers
Jay

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How about holding out 1/2 gallon of cold water in a carboy. Add the DME put foil over the top and shake the crap out of it. It will all disolve in about 3 min or less. Then just pour it in the boil.
Cheers
Jay

ssssh.
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Also, you don't need to add 1/2 of the DME at the beginning - you can go with much less and gain greater benefit from your late addition (especially less carmelization, lighter color and greater hops utilization).

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiser423

put it in a bowl first, and slowly pour it in as you're stirring it a good whirlpool action in the wort.

How about holding out 1/2 gallon of cold water in a carboy. Add the DME put foil over the top and shake the crap out of it. It will all disolve in about 3 min or less. Then just pour it in the boil.
Cheers
Jay

I'm brewing with DME for the first time this weekend, I like this idea. Thanks

Just like everything else with brewing....Patience. Take your time pouring it in.

+1 patience is a virtue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuinrearview

I use a whisk while I'm pouring. Knocks it right apart.

+2 Using a whisk for DME is the bees knees.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappers

+1

Also, you don't need to add 1/2 of the DME at the beginning - you can go with much less and gain greater benefit from your late addition (especially less carmelization, lighter color and greater hops utilization).

+3 Try using 1-2 lbs of DME in your 3 gallon boil to increase your utilization, and keep your color lighter. It is not necessary to use exactly half of your DME especially for those higher gravity beers where you might have a larger amount of DME.

You are on the right path, slow down, make sure you're having fun and not becoming frustrated, and for goodnes sake RDWHAHB!